The Ready Position
Based on the video, the "Ready Position" is a highly recommended cycling technique for all types of cyclists, ranging from timid beginners on upright bikes to aggressive mountain bike riders. Proper form involves standing up off the saddle, shifting body weight slightly backward, placing pedals at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, and bending knees and elbows to act as a natural suspension system. Practical applications of mastering the ready position include reacting quickly in split-second situations, such as braking fast, riding over obstacles, and avoiding potential hazards. Beginners can start practicing skill progression by riding off small curb drops and gradually build up to riding down staircases. If involved in an incident or injury while riding, riders should ensure they file a police report, take photos, document everything, and contact a lawyer. Legal assistance is available through Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers.
| Key Takeaway | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mastering the "Ready Position" | Every cyclist, from beginners on upright bikes to aggressive mountain bike riders, should master the "ready position" for better control. |
| Proper Body Posture | Stand up off the saddle, shift weight slightly back, place pedals at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, and bend knees and elbows to use your body as a natural suspension system. |
| Practical Utility | Mastering this position allows cyclists to react quickly in split-second situations, such as braking fast, riding over obstacles, or avoiding potential hazards. |
| Steps to Take After an Incident | If involved in an accident or injured while riding, ensure you file a police report, take pictures, document everything, and contact an attorney. |
Read Full Video Transcript
Richard Fries:
Whenever I do these videos or teach a class of riders, there is one skill that I suggest every bike rider master. This means if you're a timid beginner on an upright bike or an aggressive rider on a mountain bike, that is the ready position. You come up off the saddle, weigh a little bit back, pedals at three and nine, and you turn your body into a suspension system with your knees and your elbows. At first, you're going to really accentuate those bent elbows.
If you're a little timid, try this. Ride up a curb and drop the front wheel off and make the curb a little bigger as you go, and before long, you'll be able to go down a staircase. Carefully master that ready position and you can employ it in a split second when you have to break fast or hit an obstacle or avoid something that is going to cause problems for your ride, the ready position. But if you do have an incident or suffer an injury, make sure you file a report with the police, document everything, take pictures, and contact an attorney. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we ride. We get it. We've been there. We're on your side.
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